Summer is here and there is still time to plan your vacation to beautiful Cheyenne, Wyoming! With it being a short hour and a half drive from Denver, it’s a trip everyone should take at least once but I recommend a couple of trips because there’s no way you can fit everything into one trip. Trust me, I tried! Thankfully for you, I am going to highlight all of the best spots and things to do in Cheyenne while you’re in town to make the most of your trip.
Why Cheyenne?
Cheyenne, Wyoming is a hidden gem in the American West. With its rich history, beautiful landscapes, and friendly people, it’s a city that’s sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who visits. Whether you’re a history buff, outdoor enthusiast, or just looking for an authentic Western experience, Cheyenne is the perfect destination! Let me help you plan the perfect trip to Cheyenne today and help you discover the charms of this incredible city for yourself.
Best Places to Eat in Cheyenne, Wyoming
There is no shortage of great foodie spots in Cheyenne, Wyoming but there are only so many meals in a day! Below I’ve highlighted some of my favorite spots along with my recommendation of what to try.
Mary’s Mountain Cookies
Mary’s Mountain Cookies are a MUST stop in Downtown Cheyenne. They have been serving up freshly baked cookies nationwide and shipping them all around the world since 1986. Their flagship store is based in Fort Collins, Colorado but has since expanded to have locations all over the country. But don’t worry, it still feels like a small-town bakery once you step inside. With several different freshly baked cookies to choose from, you can also enjoy any of a variety of other tasty treats, including edible cookie dough and brownies, or even create your very own ice cream-filled cookie!
My Recommendation: The Frosted Oreo Cookie
The Metropolitan
Lovingly referred to as “The Met” by locals, this restaurant sits on the corner of 17th and Carey Avenue which was included in the 1980 expansion of the Downtown Cheyenne Historic District. Inside the restaurant is decorated in modern, lounge-style furniture, but yet is still comfortable and non-pretentious. The group of us that had dinner here had a variety of food and drinks, everything from the salmon which was phenomenal to the steak, which was cooked to perfection.
My Recommendation: A Dirty Shirley for a beverage, the Crispy Brussel Sprouts for an appetizer, and the Steak Frites for your main course.
Mort’s Bagels
Looking for a quick and easy breakfast before you start a busy day exploring Cheyenne? Go no further than Mort’s Bagels. Mort’s Bagel Shop has proudly served both locals and travelers Cheyenne, the freshest bagels since 1993.
My Recommendation: The Wyoming Sunrise Breakfast Sandwich which is served on your choice of bagel with plain cream cheese, avocado, tomato & red onion. Pair that with a fresh cup of coffee and you’re ready to go!
La Paz Tacos
You’re going to have to trust me on this one because the best tacos in Cheyenne are hidden in plain sight. Inside of this unassuming Mexican corner store, is in fact, the best tacos and burritos and town. If you’re looking for directions to this little shop while you’re in town, make sure to type in “Best Tacos y Burritos la Paz”. Then if you’re in the mood for a brewski then you’ll want to head next door (with your tacos) and grab a beer at Blue Raven Brewery, but more on them below!
My Recommendation: The Shredded Beef Tacos
Espi’s
Also on my list of best unassuming restaurants, is Espi’s, which is hidden inside the old “Burger Inn” just outside of downtown. With an unlimited amount of freshly brewed coffee, there isn’t anything on the menu that isn’t good, but their skillets, burritos and biscuits and gravy are to die for!
My Recommendation: A hash skillet topped with their green chile gravy with piping hot black coffee.
Things to Do While You’re Here
Emma’s Old-Time Photos
Who doesn’t love a bit of old-fashioned dress-up? Literally old-fashioned though! If you’re looking for a fun way to kick off your trip to Cheyenne, then make your first stop at Emma’s Old Time Photos. Val and her team will get you dressed in a character that fits your fancy and will pose you and your friends for the perfect old-time photo. Make sure to check out the Visit Cheyenne’s Buck Off Savings Pass to get your free 8×10 Photo with purchase!
Explore Downtown
One of the things that makes Cheyenne so charming is its historic downtown district. Here, you’ll find a collection of beautifully preserved buildings that date back to the late 1800s and early 1900s. The district is home to a variety of shops, museums, restaurants, and bars, making it the perfect place to grab a bite to eat, do some shopping, and learn more about Cheyenne’s history. Below is my hitlist of places you need to stop at.
- State Capitol Building
- Wyoming State Museum
- Nelson’s Museum of the West
- Cowgirls of the West Museum
- The Wrangler (Boot Barn of Downtown Cheyenne)
- Desperado Depot (For shopping)
Looking for the best way to see everything in the shortest amount of time? Try the Cheyenne Trolley Tour!
Attend Hell on Wheels Rodeo
Organized by Visit Cheyenne, the Hell on Wheels Rodeo and Chuck Wagon Dinner Series is entering its fourth season serving up thrilling eight-second rides along with a delicious home-cooked, chuck wagon dinner featuring the award-winning 3 Lazy R Chuck Wagon. When I attended this event, there were people attending from all over the country, coming out to get a taste of the real west.
One thing I really admired about this event was that it wasn’t overly produced. Event-goers had an opportunity to learn about rodeo, and enjoy the show, but also converse and engage with locals who also came out to enjoy the show. As someone who has been to hundreds of rodeos, this one took the cake as far as providing a hometown atmosphere. Pair that with the delicious chuckwagon dinner and a true Western experience doesn’t get any more authentic than this! Make sure to check out the information for their final two events of the year below.
Event Information
Location & Dates
- Location:
- Event Center at Archer (3801 Archer Pkwy, Cheyenne, WY 82009)
- Upcoming 2023 Dates
- August 25
- September 8
- Doors Open at 5:00 pm | Dinner at 5:30 pm | Rodeo at 7:00 pm
Tickets
Individual Tickets – Dinner and Rodeo
- The Full Experience – $75.00
- Youth Full Experience (Ages 3-12) – $65.00
- Chuck Wagon Dinner and Rodeo – $60.00
- Youth Chuck Wagon Dinner and Rodeo (Ages 3-12) – $50.00
Individual Tickets – Rodeo Only
- Rodeo Ticket – $25.00
- Youth Rodeo Ticket (Ages 3-12) – $15.00
- Buckaroos – Under 2 Rodeo Ticket – $0.00 (FREE)
Visit the Terry Bison Ranch
In addition to the rodeo, if the only other thing you have time to do is visit the Terry Bison Ranch, then this has to be it. In addition to getting up close and personal with the Official State Mammal of Wyoming, that’s right, a bison! Terry Bison Ranch owns and operates its own train station that not only takes you around the ranch but also into another state! At roughly 27,500 acres, the ranch also stretches into Colorado, which is a fun thing to say you did on a one-hour excursion. In addition to the train ride to see and feed the bison, you can also take a horseback ride, and see all of the animals on the ranch including Henry the Ostrich, goats, horses, pigs, and more! On your way out, make sure to stop at the Gift Shop to snag a little reminder of your trip, although the memories are sure to last a lifetime! Remember that savings pass I mentioned earlier? That works here too! Make sure to sign up to receive a Free Dessert With a Meal, 20% Off Your Meal, and 15% Off Bison Train Tour! That’s a lot of savings!
Best of Cheyenne Watering Holes
What’s a trip out west without a stop for some great adult beverages? What’s great about Cheyenne is there is a watering hole for everyone, regardless of what you prefer. Check out my all-time favorite stops below!
Blue Raven Brewery
Located right across the street from La Paz Tacos, Blue Raven Brewery is a quaint little spot with a patio to die for! Bring the dogs and the kids to enjoy some sunshine, or post up inside at one of their tables, the Blue Raven is open to anyone. Something important to note is that they don’t offer food, which is why I recommend you get your tacos first then head over here to get a brew. They are always serving 10 delicious beers at a time, with a variety of styles for everyone’s beer preferences. They have five beers that are always on tap, which are their flagship beers, and five rotating beers. Make sure to check out their event schedule for regularly scheduled entertainment!
Chronicles Distilling
Looking to try a locally distilled whiskey or vodka? Then you need to head to Chronicles Distilling! Chronicles Distilling is a Veteran-owned and operated family distillery, that is run by two Marine Corps Infantry Veterans and brothers, Aaron and Chase Lesher. Together they produce corn-based spirits that are distilled and bottled in-house, then sold for sale to go, or used to make cocktails in their bar on the main level. Free tours and samples are given to anyone who would like to learn about distilling and what Chronicles has to offer. Their Berry & Barb Flavored Whiskey is out of this world, but I also recommend trying one of their infamous mixed cocktails as well!
Chronicles is a family friendly distillery for all ages, but people who wish to drink cocktails or purchase bottles to go, must be 21 or older. Mocktails, soda and water are available for drinking for those under 21.
Pine Bluffs Distilling
With its motto being “From Farm to Flask”, Pine Bluffs Distilling doesn’t take any shortcuts when it comes to its spirits. In fact, some might argue that they take the long route, but in the end, you get a far superior product when you put the time and care into it as they do. At just a short mile or so from the Nebraska State Line, they are creating homegrown vodka and whiskeys that are started from the ground up, using local ingredients grown in Wyoming soil. It doesn’t get much better than that!
It’s time to Visit Cheyenne
Despite its changes over the years, Cheyenne has remained true to its roots as a center for hard work, determination, and community spirit. Its rich history is a testament to the resilience and perseverance of the people who have called it home, and it continues to inspire and shape the city today. All in all, if you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind Western experience, then Cheyenne, Wyoming should be next on your vacation bucket list. Whether you’re interested in history, outdoor adventures, culture, or shopping and dining, you’ll find it all here. So why not add Cheyenne to your travel plans? I guarantee you won’t regret it! Discover all that Cheyenne has to offer at www.cheyenne.org.
*All photos supplied by Krysta Paffrath
CLN Community & Event Sponsor
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